Super Rugby Round 1 Wrap

Edward Briggs

The 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season opened with a weekend that had a bit of everything: late drama, statement wins, and a couple of results that will already have the competition on notice. From a nail-biter in Dunedin to a runaway in Perth, Round 1 delivered an early glimpse of how the year might unfold.

Highlanders 25 – Crusaders 23

The season began with a thriller in Dunedin, where the Highlanders edged the Crusaders thanks to a late penalty from first five-eighths Cameron Millar.

The home side struck through wing Caleb Tangitau after strong work from fullback Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, before prop Angus Ta’avao crossed following a break from centre Jonah Lowe. Lowe later added a try of his own in the second half as the Highlanders showed impressive resilience under pressure.

The Crusaders had their moments, with halfback Noah Hotham scoring from a quick blindside play and Will Jordan finishing another well-worked move, but handling errors proved costly. Millar’s long-range penalty two minutes from time ultimately sealed a hard-fought win for the Highlanders.

Waratahs 36 – Reds 12

The Waratahs produced one of the more emphatic Australian performances of the round, pulling away late to defeat the Reds in Sydney.

The match was tight early on, with Max Jorgensen racing away for a Waratahs try before the Reds hit back through flanker Joe Brial and an earlier intercept effort from wing Tim Ryan.

However, the hosts took control in the final quarter. Replacement prop Isaac Kailea powered over, a clever cross-kick from Jack Debreczeny set up a crucial play finished by Jorgensen, and Teddy Wilson added the final try to secure the bonus point.

Moana Pasifika 40 – Fijian Drua 26

Moana Pasifika started their campaign in style, overcoming the Drua in a high-scoring encounter in Lautoka.

A blistering opening set the tone, with No.8 Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa scoring before captain Miracle Fai’ilagi struck twice in quick succession to give Moana a commanding early lead. The Drua fought back through Tuidraki Samusamuvodre and Kitione Salawa to stay in the contest.

Fai’ilagi completed a hat-trick early in the second half, and although the Drua closed the gap to within seven points after tries from Ilaisa Droasese and Temo Maynavanua, Moana sealed the win when replacement lock Ofa Tauatevalu pounced on a loose ball near the line.

Chiefs 19 – Blues 15

The Chiefs claimed an important away victory at Eden Park, edging the Blues in a physical contest that remained in doubt until the closing minutes.

Lock Tupou Vaa’i opened the scoring after a clever 50:22 kick from Josh Jacomb created attacking territory, though the Blues quickly responded when Zarn Sullivan burst through to score.

The second half remained tight, with Dalton Papali’i giving the Blues the lead before Chiefs hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho crashed over from a maul. The decisive moment arrived late when Samipeni Finau broke through the defence and sent replacement halfback Cortez Ratima over for the winning try.

Brumbies 56 – Western Force 24

The Brumbies made the biggest statement of the opening weekend, running in a flurry of tries to overwhelm the Western Force in Perth.

The Force struck first through flanker Vaiolini Ekuasi, but the Brumbies responded quickly with Charlie Cale crossing before Declan Meredith added a try under the posts.

Leading narrowly at halftime, the visitors dominated the second half. Rhys van Nek and Ryan Lonergan extended the advantage, Meredith added another long-range score, and late tries to Corey Toole and Ollie Sapsford capped a commanding attacking display.

Round 1 offered an early reminder of the competition’s unpredictability: tight finishes, standout individual performances, and one or two teams already laying down markers for the months ahead. If the opening weekend is anything to go by, the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season could be one of the most entertaining yet.